General Comments:

Of all the cars I've owned over the years, and there have been many, NOTHING has given me as much pleasure as my Saab 9-5 Aero. First Saab I've ever owned. Fun to drive, most comfortable seats ever, still greatlooking after 6 years (strangers stop and look at it in parking lots). Good fuel economy (avg 30 on Hwy).

The downside is that it has encountered more problems than any car I have owned - by far. One issue after the other. But, I am told, you keep it fixed and it will run nearly forever. Generates huge amounts of brake dust, I replaced the factory pads with ceramic pads and it went away.

To my surprise, I keep putting $ in it. Tried to trade it off a couple of times, each time I drive the next "great thing" from all the competitors and each time my wife and I look at each other and say: "I like the Saab better". We both have a passion for it.

17th Jul 2010, 15:17

Totally agree with review. I loved the looks of my Saab Aero. One of the most comfortable cars I have ever owned, but it was a money pit in repairs. Belts, fuel pump, one thing after another. I took it on long trips, maybe that wasn't wise.

I finally sold it after it was overheating 60 miles from any Saab mechanic or dealer. The person who helped me had a old HONDA. It's funny that after all the trouble I had, I'm still thinking about getting another one. Maybe one I just use around town.

2002 SAAB 9-5 HOT Aero 2.3 turbo from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Boringly Brilliant

Faults:

Fuel pump failure at 66K miles.

Battery replacement at 70K miles.

General Comments:

The Saab 95 HOT Aero is best described as boringly brilliant. It's comfortable, fast and safe. It will happily drive up and down the motorways all day long. This is the cars big plus point - it really is a competent motorway machine.

High Output Turbo gives genuine 150+MPH performance. The 95 doesn't feel as "GM" as the 93, which is also another plus point.

The Harmon Kardon stereo is superb - must be one of the best OEM car hi'fi's on the market.

The downsides?... well it's not a drivers car; the handling is not that great, which is a shame as the suspension is certainly on the firm side.

If you are looking for a competent fast comfortable motorway car, that's a little more individual than a 5 Series, it's worth taking a look.

If you're looking for all of the above, or perhaps want a genuine drivers car, this may not be the car for you. Don't get me wrong, this is a rapid machine... it just lacks high quality handling, probably in favour of comfortable high speed motorway work.

General Comments:

My '02 Linear was the worst car I have ever owned. It spent so much time at the dealership during warranty period! I loved to drive Mazda and Saabaru (9-2X) loaners for hundreds of miles at the time!

All electronics were replaced, and most of sensors failed in the first 2 years. As soon as warranty ran out, small electronic problems and failed AC forced me to trade it in for something more reliable.

16th Mar 2008, 09:54

24th Jun 2008, 02:51

I don't think so, I think you bought a SAAB. The problems I have had with mine have been unbelievable. Worst build quality ever on a car that is a dream to drive when it's going, but a complete nightmare to own and very very expensive to repair. From what the dealers tell me. None of the multitude of expensive problems I had with mine are a surprise to them.